An invitation for the media to cover the launch of the Safe Food Expo at a shopping centre in Putrajaya carried a note that the event would not include a press conference or impromptu interview session, so that news coverage could focus on the main event and the press statement issued.

After being criticised by the Putrajaya Media Club for “hampering media coverage”, the ministry’s spokesman issued an amended invitation without the offending note.

In a WhatsApp group for the media, health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad’s press secretary, Nurbani Shuhada Hasninlayali, apologised for the “misunderstanding” and said the earlier invitation should be disregarded.

Before the ministry’s about-turn, the Putrajaya Media Club said that restrictions on reporters asking follow-up questions or seeking clarification amounted to limiting the health ministry’s accountability to the public.

“Such a move is unprecedented and should be regarded as a form of indirect media restriction. At a time when the public needs clear and accurate information, especially on public health policies and issues, this approach is deeply disappointing and does not reflect the spirit of openness expected of a ministry that serves the people,” the group said.

Last May, the Putrajaya Media Club accused Dzulkefly’s then-press secretary of acting unprofessionally during a press conference. The club said there were complaints that reporters who asked for more information about a health ministry survey had been mocked.

The press secretary had also interjected when a reporter posed a question to Dzulkefly, and had also responded on the minister’s behalf. He later apologised.